Getting ready for a job interview can be exhilarating as well as a little scary. Everything from the research you do on a company to what you wear on your face can make all the difference between you getting the job or not. When applying makeup for a job interview, you want to exude reliability, competence and a professional confidence that will be supported by your work experience. Personal grooming and appropriate makeup will help you communicate the message that you are the best person for the job.

The following are some guidelines, adapted from different makeup artists’ advice, to incorporate right up to the moment you shake hands and sit down for the interview:

If you are going to get a facial, do it at least three days before the interview. Job interviews are stressful and facials aid your skin’s detoxification process. It’s not uncommon to have residual breakouts after a facial, and having a waiting period allows your skin to calm down to display the fresh look you desire for your meeting.

Don’t rush applying your makeup. Taking the time to blend your foundation and blush can help you calm down and avoid “accidents” such as spills, too heavy an application and other mishaps that arise from shaky nerves.

Since your eyes and eye contact are of huge importance in the job interview process, avoid applying heavy eye makeup. A nice, matte, neutral brown, beige, soft plum or grey with little or no liner will convey a better message than a lot of shimmer and smoke.

Go easy on your mascara. Be sure to comb out your lashes to avoid clumping and clotting, as well as flaking.

Soft pink blush, applied lightly on the apples of your cheeks will give you a fresh as opposed to a “made-up” look.

Be sure to take blotting tissues with you, since nerves encourage perspiration. Some great ones to use in the car or bathroom before you go in are from Paula Begoun and are called oil blotting papers.

When applying makeup, keep in mind that most interview lighting is fluorescent and can accentual green and orange tones. Choose colors from neutral to pink palettes for the best result. For eyes try “Yogurt” or “Bisque” from M.A.C. cosmetics, for cheeks try “Angel” or “Strada.”

Keep your lip color as close to your own as possible – maybe one shade darker – and matte, not gloss. Lip gloss on an interview looks juvenile and silly.

Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early for your interview to do a last minute check. Blow your nose, check your teeth for lipstick, wipe off any crumbs, lint or hairs and blot if you need to.

Lastly, look at yourself in the mirror and take five deep breaths. Tell yourself that you are the best person for the job and smile as brightly as you can.

Hopefully, these tips will help you to relax and feel more confident before your big day. It will also help to remember that, if you are meant to have the job, you will, and if you don’t get it, then it’s because something better is coming for you. Always do your best and you will be rewarded. Go get ‘em girl!

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